Book 114, 2023

Autumn Alibi by Jennifer David Hesse

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Stayed up late last night to finish reading Autumn Alibi by Jennifer David Hesse. It's the 6th installment in her "Wiccan Wheel" series of cozy paranormal mysteries. The main character is solitary witch Keli Milanni.

Keli has plenty to be grateful for, as her fledgling law practice is taking off. When a former co-worker asks her to assist on an estate case, Keli agrees. Recently deceased Elaine Turnbull has left her considerable assets to her granddaughter, Lana, but Lana ran away at the age of 17 and hasn't had contact with the family for years. Keli's boyfriend, Wes, knew Lana in school, and he agrees to work that angle while Keli and Crenshaw begin cataloging the estate's assets. When a member of the household insists that Elaine had drawn up a new will, a new wrinkle is added to the case. Soon Keli is poring over Elaine's journals, observing the odd dynamics of the household, and wondering if Elaine's death may have been murder. As if that wasn't enough, her stalker seems to have returned, vandalizing the cars of Keli's friends and acquaintances. With help from others in the Wiccan community, Keli sets out to solve the case.

Very interesting story. There were two distinct storylines, but they melded together nicely. Characters were three-dimensional, from familiar characters to newly introduced ones. The plot was engrossing and kept my attention.

Favorite line: I'd been surprised so many times in the past few days, it was becoming my new normal.

Excellent book, five stars.

Book 115, 2023

The Pirate And His Lady by Margaret St. George

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I came so close to finishing my "work" book at lunch today that I brought it home to read the last chapter. The book was The Pirate and His Lady by Margaret St George. It's a time-travel romance from Silhouette's "Dreamscapes" line. Main characters are historical researcher Elizabeth Rawley and privateer Richard Colter.

Elizabeth has long been fascinated by the legendary Captain Colter, to the point of finding modern day, real men dull in comparison. When a freak storm washes a man up on the beach in front of her house, Elizabeth is astonished to discover it it Richard Colter in the flesh. While initially enchanted, Elizabeth is soon faced with the daunting task of introducing a man from the 1800's to the marvels of modern technology. Not only that, but Richard has a lot to learn about current values and societal norms.

One moment, Richard's beleaguered ship was going down in a storm, and the next he found himself being rescued by a lovely wench. Once the reality of his situation sinks in, Richard is horrified and intrigued in equal measure. He's convinced that Lizzy is the one for him, but he won't ask for her hand until he can make his own way in this strange, new world.

The first half of this was vexing to read. While Richard is a product of his time, his antiquated notions concerning Elizabeth were annoying. He felt less than a man, simply because he was startled by things that she took in stride. Things improved somewhat by the second half of the story as Richard gained confidence and found simple employment. The book was compelling with engaging characters, although it wasn't terribly enjoyable, if that makes sense.

Favorite line: He intended to protect her by doing battle with a dune buggy.

I didn't really like the story, but it was well-written, earning four stars.